U.S. patent number 10,550,008 [Application Number 15/149,084] was granted by the patent office on 2020-02-04 for low energy fluid purification system.
This patent grant is currently assigned to United States of American, as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy. The grantee listed for this patent is The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy, The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. Invention is credited to Craig A MacDougall, Dylan Switzer, Aaron Wiest.
United States Patent |
10,550,008 |
MacDougall , et al. |
February 4, 2020 |
Low energy fluid purification system
Abstract
A low energy fluid purification system and method of
implementation including some embodiments having a vacuum-rated
first chamber placed in or near a body of water with higher
temperature near the surface and lower temperatures at greater
depths. The vacuum-rated first chamber holds a quantity of
non-potable water and a low pressure area less than or equal to the
water's vapor pressure. Vaporization occurs when the higher
temperature surface water is brought into contact with the low
pressure area. A tubular vapor transport passage allows the
vaporized water to pass to a lower temperature and lower pressure
condensation chamber. The lower temperature condensation chamber is
cooled by lower temperature water from a selected depth below the
surface. As the temperature of the vapor lowers, the vapor will
condense. This condensation is collected as a quantity of potable
water. Additional embodiments and methods are also provided.
Inventors: |
MacDougall; Craig A (Norco,
CA), Switzer; Dylan (Riverside, CA), Wiest; Aaron
(Norco, CA) |
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the
Navy |
Crane |
IN |
US |
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Assignee: |
United States of American, as
Represented by the Secretary of the Navy (Washington,
DC)
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Family
ID: |
57601541 |
Appl.
No.: |
15/149,084 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2016 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20160376168 A1 |
Dec 29, 2016 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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62162799 |
May 17, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C02F
1/06 (20130101); B01D 3/106 (20130101); C02F
1/12 (20130101); B01D 5/006 (20130101); C02F
1/048 (20130101); C02F 1/046 (20130101); C02F
1/043 (20130101); B01D 5/0003 (20130101); C02F
2307/00 (20130101); C02F 2209/03 (20130101); C02F
2301/063 (20130101); C02F 2209/02 (20130101); Y02W
10/37 (20150501); C02F 2209/40 (20130101); C02F
2103/08 (20130101); Y02A 20/109 (20180101) |
Current International
Class: |
C02F
1/04 (20060101); B01D 3/10 (20060101); B01D
5/00 (20060101); C02F 1/06 (20060101); C02F
1/12 (20060101) |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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2 601 353 |
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Jan 1988 |
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FR |
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WO 2004/074187 |
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Sep 2004 |
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WO |
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Primary Examiner: Robinson; Renee
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane
Division
Government Interests
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
The invention described herein was made in the performance of
official duties by employees of the Department of the Navy and may
be manufactured, used and licensed by or for the United States
Government for any governmental purpose without payment of any
royalties thereon. This invention (Navy Case 200,242) is assigned
to the United States Government and is available for licensing for
commercial purposes. Licensing and technical inquiries may be
directed to the Technology Transfer Office, Naval Surface Warfare
Center Corona.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 62/162,799 filed on May 17, 2015, entitled
"LOW ENERGY DESALINATION AND PURIFICATION SYSTEM," the disclosure
of which is expressly incorporated by reference herein.
Claims
The invention claimed is:
1. A method for purifying or desalinating water utilizing
temperature gradients, comprising the steps of: identifying a
non-potable body of water having temperatures decreasing with depth
comprising a first section of water having a first or higher
temperature near an upper surface and a second section of water
underneath said first section of water with a second or lower
temperature that is at least a condensation temperature required to
condense water from water vapor at said first or higher
temperature; providing a vacuum-rated first chamber with a first
and second end, wherein the first end is a closed end and the
second end forms a first chamber aperture with an open end oriented
and disposed towards the non-potable body of water in an installed
orientation and disposing or lowering said open end of the first
chamber in said first section of water such that the open end of
the first chamber is submerged in and encloses a portion of the
first section of the non-potable body of water; determining a first
vapor pressure for said first section of water; establishing a
first partial vacuum in said first chamber less than or equal to a
first vapor pressure of said portion of the first section of water
in said first chamber, and exposing said portion of the first
section of water at a first temperature to said first partial
vacuum within said first chamber so as to achieve boiling of said
first quantity of water, resulting in a quantity of water vapor,
wherein said first partial vacuum is established by positioning
said first chamber to apply a first force from gravity on said
portion of the first section of water within said vacuum-rated
first chamber and thereby elevating a first column or elevated
quantity of at least said portion of the first section of water and
additional water drawn from said first section of water that is
topped with said first partial vacuum at an upper internal section
of said first chamber less than or equal to the vapor pressure of
first section water disposed in said first chamber; providing a
vacuum pump and valve and coupling the vacuum pump with the first
chamber at a position above the first column of said portion of the
first section of water; providing a first intake pipe or conduit
and a first pump coupled to the first intake pipe or conduit;
disposing an end of the first intake pipe or conduit into said
first section of higher temperature water; pumping, using the first
intake pipe and first pump, said first section-higher temperature
water above said first column of said portion of the first section
of water to a spray nozzle disposed within said first chamber
having the first partial vacuum, and dispersing said first
section-higher temperature water as droplets; providing a
vacuum-rated second chamber comprising a first and second end and
disposing said second chamber in proximity to said first chamber,
wherein the first end of the second chamber is enclosed and the
second end is formed with a second chamber aperture; providing a
capture container formed with a floor and enclosing walls coupled
with the floor, the enclosing walls defining a first aperture;
disposing the second end of the second chamber within the capture
container so that ends of the second end extend a first distance
into the capture container; disposing a first quantity of potable
water into said second chamber and said capture container such that
the second end of the second chamber is submerged within the first
quantity of potable water; raising the second chamber with respect
to the capture container with the first quantity of potable water
so as to apply the first force from gravity on said first quantity
of potable water within the second chamber while maintaining the
second end of the second chamber as submerged within the first
quantity of potable water and thereby creating an elevated column
of said first quantity of potable water within the second chamber
topped with a second partial vacuum at a top internal section of
said second chamber greater than or equal to the vapor pressure of
at least the first quantity of potable water in said second
chamber; coupling said first and second chambers with a water vapor
transfer structure adapted to enable transfer at least a portion of
the water vapor originating within said first chamber to said
second chamber; providing a second intake pipe or conduit and
disposing one end of the second intake pipe or conduit into said
second section of water; providing a second pump coupled with the
second intake pipe or conduct on an opposing end of the second
intake pipe or conduct that is disposed in said second section of
water; providing a condenser-heat exchanger and a discharge pipe,
wherein the condenser-heat exchanger is disposed within said second
chamber, the condenser-heat exchanger is fluidly coupled with the
second pump which is fluidly coupled with a proximal end of the
second intake pipe or conduit, wherein the condenser-heat
exchanger, said second intake pipe or conduit, and said discharge
pipe is configured for receiving said second temperature water by
using the second pump to draw said second temperature water through
said condenser-heat exchanger and discharging at a depth less than
a distal end of the second intake or conduit but more than a distal
end of the first intake pipe or conduit, wherein the discharge pipe
is formed having a larger diameter than the second intake pipe or
conduit, wherein the second intake pipe or conduit is disposed
within at least a portion of the discharge pipe and having a
discharge output section that discharges said second temperature
water at said depth between distal ends of the first and second
intake pipes or conduits; operating the vacuum pump to establish or
maintain a first chamber initial operating condition comprising
said first partial vacuum; transporting the water vapor away from
the first chamber by operating the second pump and passing the
second temperature water through the condenser-heat exchanger to
condense said water vapor into condensed water on surfaces of the
heat-condenser and thereby also create a pressure differential
between the first and second chambers as a result of conversion of
the water vapor into the condensed water which mixes with the
potable water previously disposed in the capture container;
capturing said condensed water in said second chamber and said
capture container; and storing at least some of said condensed
water in a potable water storage system.
2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the positioning of said first
and second chambers comprises raising said first and second
chambers from a first elevation to a second elevation whereby said
first portion of said first section quantity of water and said
first quantity of potable water are in unsupported columns and
thereby drop from the upper sections of said first and second
chambers and thereby respectively create the first partial vacuum
between an upper surface of the non-potable first portion of said
first section's water column and an upper end section of said first
chamber as well as creating said second partial vacuum between an
upper surface of said first quantity of potable water column and an
internal end section of said second chamber.
3. A method as in claim 2, further comprising transferring at least
said condensed water or a mixture of said first quantity of potable
water and said condensed water to a second storage system spaced
apart from said potable water storage system or outputting said
condensed water or a mixture of said condensed water with said
first quantity of potable water from the the capture container.
4. A method as in claim 2, further comprising: providing a
submergence system comprising a support structure, a control
system, motors, pumps, buoyancy tanks and an anchoring system,
wherein said support structure and buoyancy tanks are coupled with
said first and second chamber, said submergence system is adapted
for submerging and raising at least a portion of said first and
second chambers above or below said non-potable body of water; and
operating the submergence system thereby reducing said submergence
system's buoyancy and lowering the support structure with said
first and second chambers into the non-potable body of water.
5. A method as in claim 4, further comprising transferring at least
said condensed water or a mixture of said condensed water with said
potable water to a second storage system spaced apart from said
potable water storage system or distributing said potable water
from said capture container.
6. A method for purifying or desalinating, water utilizing
temperature gradients, comprising the steps of: identifying a
non-potable body of water having temperatures decreasing with depth
comprising a first section of water having a first or higher
temperature near an upper surface and a second section of water
underneath said first section of water with a second or lower
temperature; providing a system for purifying or desalinating
non-potable body of water in said first section water comprising: a
first vacuum-rated chamber, hereinafter first chamber, formed with
a first chamber top section, a first chamber bottom section, and a
first chamber sidewall section that surrounds a first chamber
cavity, wherein said first vacuum-rated chamber is formed as a
boiler-heat exchanger, wherein said first chamber further comprises
a boiler chamber liquid input port formed into or through a section
of said first chamber sidewall, a boiler chamber water vapor-output
port disposed in said first chamber top section, and a boiler
chamber waste water output port disposed in said bottom section,
wherein the first chamber is configured in a manner that maximizes
surface area to allow heat from said first section-higher
temperature water to transfer said heat to the first chamber from a
quantity of said first section water, wherein said top chamber
section and said bottom chamber section are formed with an angled
shape that has a peak at a center section of each said first
chamber top section and said first chamber bottom section so that
the first chamber's center of buoyancy is above its center of mass
when said first section water is disposed within the first chamber
so that the first chamber maintains a predetermined orientation; a
first conduit, a first water vapor conduit, a second water vapor
conduit; a condenser-heat exchanger comprising a condenser water
vapor input port, a heat exchanging portion adapted to receive
water vapor, a condenser condensed water output port; a
vacuum-rated manifold chamber (hereinafter manifold chamber),
wherein the manifold chamber comprises a first manifold chamber
liquid output port formed into a first side section of the manifold
chamber that is coupled with the boiler chamber liquid input port
by the first conduit, a first manifold chamber liquid input port, a
second manifold chamber liquid input port formed on a bottom
section of the manifold chamber, a manifold water vapor input port
formed on a top section of the manifold chamber and coupled with
the boiler water vapor output port by the first vapor conduit, a
manifold water vapor output port formed into said top section of
the manifold chamber and is coupled with the condenser water vapor
input port by the second vapor conduit, an intake section or port
formed into a second side section of the manifold chamber, a float
valve coupled with the intake section or port that selectively
controls flow of said first section water into the manifold chamber
through the intake port or section, wherein the float valve
maintains a predetermined water level within the manifold chamber;
a vacuum pump that is coupled with the first chamber; a potable
water storage system coupled to said condenser condensed water
output port of said condenser-heat exchanger that collects
condensed potable water from the condenser-heat exchanger; a
potable water pump system coupled with the potable water storage
system and a potable water output and transfer conduit coupled with
the pump that transfers potable water from the potable water
storage system; a first and second wastewater valves each coupled
with a wastewater conduit that is coupled with the boiler chamber
waste water output port; a first and second circulation control
valves, each respectively coupled with a first and second bottom
section of the manifold chamber; a first storage tank comprising a
first refill valve and a first purge valve that are respectively
disposed in the first storage tank such that said first purge valve
is lower than said first refill valve, wherein the first refill
valve is configured to selectively admit said first section water
into the first storage tank and the first purge valve selectively
enables an initial fill of said first storage tank with said first
section water and later purging of wastewater accumulated in the
first storage tank to be selectively purged from the first storage
tank, wherein the first storage tank is selectively coupled with
the first manifold chamber liquid input port via the first
circulation valve, wherein the first storage tank is further
selectively and fluidly coupled with the first wastewater valve,
wherein the first storage tank further comprises a first internal
wastewater conduit that is coupled with the first wastewater valve
and extends into the first storage tank down to a bottom portion of
the first storage tank to dispose higher density wastewater below
lower density first section water in the first storage tank and so
facilitate passage of the lower density first section water in the
first storage tank to pass through the first circulation control
valve and into the manifold chamber as higher density wastewater is
passed into the bottom section of the first storage tank and
thereby acts as a liquid piston as the higher density wastewater
pushes the lower density first section water out of the second
storage tank until the first storage tank is substantially filled
with higher density wastewater and then the first circulation valve
and the first wastewater valve are closed and the first purge and
first refill valve are opened and thereby switch the first storage
tank to a first storage tank water exchange mode from a first
storage water manifold chamber feed mode until the higher density
wastewater is exchanged out of the first storage tank by force of
gravity drawing the higher density wastewater out of the first
storage tank and said first section waster is drawn into the first
storage chamber as the higher density wastewater is drawn out of
the first storage tank, wherein said first storage tank is switched
to the first storage tank water manifold feed mode when a
predetermined amount of said wastewater is exchanged out of the
first storage tank whereupon said first circulation valve and the
first wastewater valve are opened and the first purge and first
refill valve are closed and thereby switch the first storage tank
from the first storage tank water exchange mode to the first
storage water manifold chamber feed mode; a second storage tank
comprising a second refill valve and a second purge valve that are
respectively disposed in the second storage tank such that said
second purge valve is lower than said second refill valve, wherein
the second refill valve is configured to selectively admit said
first section water into the second storage tank and the second
purge valve selectively enables an initial fill of said second
storage tank with said first section water and later purging of
wastewater accumulated in the second storage tank to be selectively
purged from the second storage tank, wherein the second storage
tank is selectively coupled with the second manifold chamber liquid
input port via the second circulation valve, wherein the second
storage tank is further selectively and fluidly coupled with the
second wastewater valve, wherein the second storage tank further
comprises a second internal wastewater conduit that is coupled with
the second wastewater valve and extends into the second storage
tank down to a bottom portion of the second storage tank to dispose
higher density wastewater below lower first section density water
in the second storage tank and so facilitate passage of the lower
density first section water in the second storage tank to pass
through said second circulation control valve and into the manifold
chamber as higher density wastewater is passed into the bottom
section of the second storage tank and thereby acts as another
liquid piston as the wastewater pushes the lower density first
section water out of the second storage tank until the second
storage tank is substantially filled with wastewater and then the
second circulation valve and the second wastewater valve are closed
and the second purge and second refill valve are opened and thereby
switch the second storage tank to a second storage tank water
exchange mode from a second storage water manifold chamber feed
mode until the higher density wastewater is exchanged out of the
second storage tank by force of gravity drawing the higher density
wastewater out of the second storage tank and said first section
waster is drawn into the second storage chamber as the higher
density wastewater is drawn out of the second storage tank, wherein
said second storage tank is switched to the second storage tank
water manifold feed mode when a predetermined amount of said
wastewater is exchanged out of the second storage tank whereupon
said second circulation valve and the second wastewater valve are
opened and the second purge and second refill valve are closed and
thereby switch the second storage tank from the second storage tank
water exchange mode to the second storage water manifold chamber
feed mode; disposing the system for purifying or desalinating
non-potable body of water except for the condenser-heat exchanger
within the first section of water, wherein the manifold chamber is
disposed substantially level with the first chamber and above the
second and third storage tanks; disposing said condenser-heat
exchanger at a selected depth within said second section of water;
configuring and operating said first and second refill and first
and second purge valves so that a first portion of said first
section of water is drawn into said first storage tank and a second
portion of said first section of water is drawn into said second
storage tank then closing the first and second refill and first and
second purge valves; opening either the first recirculation valve
and the first wastewater valve or the second recirculation valve
and the second wastewater valve then and operating the float valve
to pass first section water into the manifold chamber and thereby
pass first section water into the first chamber; establishing a
first partial vacuum in the first chamber using the vacuum pump,
vacuum conduit and valve, wherein the first partial vacuum is less
than or equal to a vapor pressure of the first section of water
after it is input into the first chamber, wherein said first
partial vacuum is further determined based on a first temperature
and salinity of the first section of water that will cause boiling
of said first section of water within the first chamber resulting
in a quantity of water vapor within the first chamber and thereby
produce said higher density waste water in said first chamber that
flows out of the first chamber and into either the first or second
storage chamber based on configuration of the first or second
wastewater valves, wherein said first or said second portion of
first section of water enters said manifold chamber as said first
or second portion of first section of water is forced out of said
first or second storage tank by an equal portion of higher-density
and higher salinity, non-potable wastewater as it enters said
bottom portion of said first or second storage tank from said first
chamber; conveying or transporting said water vapor away from said
first chamber into said manifold chamber then to the boiler heat
exchange due to difference in pressure due to condensation of the
water vapor in the condenser-heat exchanger; producing condensed
water from the water vapor, using the condenser-heat exchanger
disposed within the second temperature water that is coupled with
the first chamber by passing the water vapor through the
condenser-heat exchanger from the first chamber by creation of a
pressure differential between an internal section of the
condenser-heat exchanger and the first chamber based on employing
said condenser-heat exchanger to lower the water vapor's
temperature sufficiently to create said pressure differential and
achieve condensation of said water vapor within the condenser-heat
exchanger so as to produce said condensed water; capturing said
condensed water from within the condenser-heat exchanger; storing
said condensed water as potable water in a potable water storage
system; monitoring system desalinization efficiency based on
monitoring a rate of potable water production to identify a first
or second storage tank waste water exchange mode trigger condition
indicating a level of said higher-density and higher salinity,
non-potable wastewater within the first chamber exceeds the first
chamber's boiler-heat exchanger ability to vaporize said mixture
under said first partial vacuum condition; and purging said higher
density and higher salinity non potable waste water from the first
or second storage tank and refilling said first or second storage
tank with first section water and thereby reestablishing system
efficiency or operation when said first or second storage tank
waste water exchange mode trigger condition is determined then
closing either the first recirculation valve and first wastewater
valve then opening the first purge valve and first refill valve or
closing the second recirculation valve and first wastewater valve
and then opening the second purge valve and the second refill valve
so as to cause said first section water in either the first or
second storage tank to enter said manifold chamber as said first
section water is forced out of said first or second storage tank by
an equal portion of higher-density and higher-salinity, non-potable
water entering said second storage tank from said first
chamber.
7. A method as in claim 6, further comprising transferring said
potable water to a second storage system spaced apart from said
potable water storage system or distributing said potable water to
a consumer.
8. A method for purifying or desalinating water utilizing naturally
occurring temperature gradients, comprising the steps of:
identifying a non-potable body of water having temperatures
decreasing with depth comprising a first section of water having a
first temperature near a surface of said body of water and a second
section of water underneath said first section of water with a
second temperature that is at least a condensation temperature
required to condense water from water vapor at said first
temperature, wherein said first temperature is higher than said
second temperature; providing a vacuum-rated first chamber, a
vacuum-rated second chamber, a gas or water vapor transfer
structure coupling the first and second vacuum-rated chambers, a
condenser-heat exchanger within said second chamber, a first pump
coupled with the first vacuum-rated chamber, a first piping coupled
with the first pump, a second pump coupled with the condenser-heat
exchanger, and second piping coupled to the second pump, wherein
the second piping comprises an intake and a discharge piping
section, wherein said second piping and said second pump is
configured to draw said second temperature water from said second
section of water, through said condenser-heat exchanger, and
discharges said second section water at a selected depth from said
discharge section disposed at less than a depth of the intake
section, a portion of said discharge section being a larger
diameter than a portion of said intake piping section, wherein the
intake section of the second piping includes a portion disposed
within and passing from the discharge section but extending to a
greater depth than a terminal end of said discharge section,
wherein the first piping includes a first piping intake section
disposed within the first section water so as to transport a
quantity of first section water up a column of said quantity of
first section water within the first vacuum-rated chamber to a
spray nozzle disposed within said first chamber; providing a
submergence system comprising a support structure, a control
system, motors, pumps, buoyancy tanks and an anchoring system,
wherein said buoyancy tanks are coupled with said first and second
chamber, said submergence system is adapted for submerging and
raising said first and second chambers above or below said
non-potable body of water; providing a potable water storage
system; disposing said first chamber in or in proximity to said
first section of water with a quantity of said first section of
water within said first chamber, wherein a portion of the first
chamber facing away from the first section of water is elevated
above or facing away from the first section of water; determining a
vapor pressure for said first section of water disposing and
positioning said second chamber in or in proximity to said first
section of water, and providing an initial portion of potable water
within the second chamber; establishing a first partial vacuum in
said first chamber less than or equal to a vapor pressure of said
first section of water disposed in said first chamber, and exposing
said quantity of said first section water to said first partial
vacuum within said first chamber so as to achieve boiling of said
quantity of first section water, resulting in a quantity of water
vapor, wherein said establishing said first partial vacuum is
produced by steps including raising said first chamber from a first
elevation with respect to a surrounding surface of said body of
water to a second elevation thereby establishing said first partial
vacuum by positioning said first chamber to apply a first force
from gravity on said quantity of first section water within the
first chamber and thereby establishing a column of said quantity of
first section water topped with said first partial vacuum at a top
section inside said first chamber less than or equal to the vapor
pressure of the quantity of first section water in said first
chamber, wherein said establishing a first partial vacuum in said
first chamber includes operating the first pump to transport the
quantity of first section water up said column of said quantity of
first section water to the spray nozzle disposed within said first
chamber within said first partial vacuum, and dispersing portions
of said quantity of first section water as a quantity of droplets
within said top section of the first chamber; passing a second
temperature water drawn from said second section of water through
the condenser-heat exchanger, wherein said condenser-heat exchanger
is exposed to said second temperature water by said second pump to
draw said second temperature water from said second section of
water; transporting the water vapor from the first chamber after
the first partial vacuum is achieved in the first chamber and the
second temperature water is passed through the condenser-heat
exchanger thereby creating a pressure differential between the
first and second chambers causing the water vapor from the first
chamber to come into contact with said condenser-heat exchanger,
wherein said condenser-heat exchanger lowers the water vapor's
temperature and pressure in the second chamber to create said
pressure differential and achieve condensation of said water vapor
so as to produce condensed water; capturing said condensed water
resulting in a quantity of potable water; storing said condensed
water as potable water in said potable water storage system;
selectively reducing said submergence system's buoyancy to lower
the support structure below the surface of the non-potable body of
water; and selectively evacuating any non-potable water from said
second chamber and returning conditions in said second chamber to
said second partial vacuum.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a low energy fluid purification
system. In particular, apparatus and methods are provided that
allows natural temperature gradients in the ocean to be used as the
heat source and sink for evaporating non-potable, e.g. saline,
water under vacuum pressures and condensation of potable water.
Various embodiments of the invention facilitate production of
potable water with limited man-made energy input, thus minimizing
the cost of the water production. Because of the vastness of the
ocean, the thermal gradients represent a quasi-infinite heat source
and heat sink.
Previous methods to distill ocean water have not been economically
viable for multiple reasons. One major reason is for the lack of
economic viability arising from a need for enormous quantities of
energy required to boil and condense water. Various embodiments can
utilize a way to use naturally occurring thermal gradients in the
ocean to transfer the energy to and from the water thus saving the
cost of having to input the energy from manmade sources. Another
source of failure is unnecessary complexity. Embodiments of the
invention can include designs that limit a number of valves and
moving parts and uses natural pressure gradients to minimize the
work required to pump water. Designing a system to maximize the
work the environment does and minimize work and energy input from
manmade sources decreases complexity, decreases cost, decreases
maintenance and improves the chance of success.
Some background to some embodiments of the invention can include
design approaches noting that a temperature at which water boils is
pressure dependent (lower pressure=lower boiling temp). A pressure
at which water condenses is temperature dependent (lower
condensation temp=lower pressure). Temperature of water near the
surface of the ocean is warmer than water deep in the ocean. One
gallon of water can be boiled by inputting approximately 9,000,000
joules of energy. One gallon of water vapor can be condensed to
potable water by removing approximately 9,000,000 joules of energy.
Approximately 9,000,000 joules of energy is required to raise the
temperature of 200 gallons of water by 2.7 degrees Celsius.
Generally, one embodiment of the invention can include a low energy
fluid purification system including a first vacuum-rated chamber
extending above a body of water. The evaporation chamber holds a
column of water at a sufficient height so as to create a low
pressure area above the column of water. Due to the low pressure,
the ambient temperature of the held water is sufficient to vaporize
water at an upper surface of the column of water. A gas transfer
structure is coupled to the first chamber so as to convey the
vaporized water away from the first chamber. A second vacuum-rated
chamber is coupled to the gas transfer structure and receives the
vaporized water. A condensation system is positioned within the
condensation chamber configured to receive water from a depth of
the body of water that is sufficiently cool to be used as a cooling
fluid for the condensation system, and a condensation collection
system positioned to capture condensed water produced from the
condensation system. Other elements can include systems for making
use of gravity or siphoning effects for transferring water within
the system and a movement system.
More particularly according to one illustrative simplified
embodiment of the present disclosure, some basic components of the
invention can include a first-vacuum rated chamber (e.g.
evaporation chamber), connected to a second vacuum-rated chamber
(e.g. condensation chamber). The dual chamber system is initially
evacuated of gas to create vacuum pressure whereupon the water in
the evaporation chamber will begin to boil. Vapor from the
evaporation chamber will move to the condensing chamber and
condense. The exemplary evaporation chamber must be maintained at a
higher temperature than the condensation chamber. A temperature
difference will cause a pressure difference and vapor flow will not
require any additional means. As water in the evaporation chamber
transitions to vapor, the salinity of the water in the evaporation
chamber increases and a means to exchange lower salinity ocean
water for higher salinity water in the evaporation chamber is
required. A means to transfer heat to the evaporation chamber is
required. A system to conduct heat away from the condensing chamber
is required. A system to initially evacuate gas from the two
chamber system is required. A system to remove potable water from
the evacuated condensing chamber is required.
Embodiments of the invention can be optimal for locations where
ocean thermal gradients are not large as a function of depth. The
depth vs temperature profile of such a location is depicted in FIG.
1. Note that in the example shown in FIG. 1, minimal temperature
gradients are observed for the first 300 meters and a temperature
drop from about 22 C to 8 C is observed between 300 and 750 meters.
Other embodiments of the invention can be optimized for locations
where ocean thermal gradients are large as a function of depth
(i.e. a large temperature differential for little change in
depth).
Various types of embodiments of the invention can be designed to be
optimal for locations where ocean thermal gradients are large as a
function of depth. In the previous discussion of the embodiment of
the invention optimized for low thermal gradients as a function of
depth (regions where large depths were required to access low
temperature ocean water), the inventors relied on similar
thermodynamics but a different apparatus. In the low thermal
gradient embodiment, pumps were proposed to move large quantities
of ocean water from large depths to achieve the required cooling.
The high thermal gradient embodiment uses a passive system and
relies on natural convection and ocean currents to generate the
thermodynamic driving force for heat exchange.
The cross over point for efficiency of large thermal gradient
system vs. the small thermal gradient can be calculated. That is,
given a particular thermal gradient and corresponding depth to
achieve that temperature difference one of the two systems would
have a higher efficiency, due to their various designs, as
illustrated in the following example: a designer can assume a 10
degree Fahrenheit temperature difference between hot and cold water
is required for commercial operation of the exemplary low energy
fluid purification system. Further assume that this temperature
differential is achievable by using water from the surface of the
ocean and water from 30 feet down in the ocean. The large thermal
gradient system would require pumping each gallon of potable water
from a depth of 30 feet against vacuum pressure. Pumping water
against vacuum pressure adds an effective 33 feet additional height
resulting in an energy input to pump 63 foot gallons of water per
gallon of distilled water. The small thermal gradient system would
require an additional assumption. Assume that the water used as the
heat sink and heat source changed temperature by 2.7 degrees during
the heat transfer processes. This would require 200 gallons of
surface water and 200 gallons of deep cold water to be pumped for
each gallon of distilled water produced. Further assume the siphon
and vacuum assistance limited the work the pumps had to do to only
1 foot of effective pumping distance. This would result in an
energy input to pump 401 foot gallons of water per gallon of
distilled water. With these assumptions, the large thermal gradient
system would be more efficient.
Using one change in the assumptions, the small thermal gradient
system becomes more efficient. Assume the 10 F temperature gradient
requires 500 feet depth water. In this scenario, the large thermal
gradient system requires energy to pump 533 foot gallons of water
per gallon of distilled water. The small thermal gradient system
requires the same energy to pump 401 foot gallons of water per
gallon of distilled water because the siphon and vacuum effects are
nearly independent of depth. The current exemplary discussion has
made various assumptions which may be inaccurate in some cases but
a crossover point exists and will be determined by local thermal
gradients, temperature change achieved in heat source and sink, and
the materials used to construct the apparatus.
Initially this technology can be explored for localities where
potable water is most expensive such as islands where water must be
brought in by barges. Secondly the technology would be most useful
for coastal communities. One bonus of the technology is that
because efficiency increases with larger temperature gradients if
the depth remains constant, potential global warming will improve
the process by raising the temperature of the surface water of the
ocean. This technology will compete with current desalination
methods including reverse osmosis, and other vacuum and
distillation methods.
The use of "water" to describe the fluid to be purified is not
meant to restrict application to a particular fluid. Embodiments of
the invention can be used to purify a liquid wherein any
contaminants require a higher vaporization temperature than the
liquid to be purified at a given pressure.
Additional features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of
the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiment
exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the invention as
presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The detailed description of the drawings particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
FIG. 1 shows an exemplary depth versus temperature profile for a
low thermal gradient as a function of depth;
FIG. 2 shows a simplified drawing of one embodiment of the
invention optimized for environments with low thermal gradients as
a function of depth;
FIG. 3 shows a table of partial vapor pressures of water as a
function of salinity and temperature; and
FIG. 4 shows a simplified drawing of another embodiment of the
invention.
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C depict a method of utilizing the embodiment of
the invention optimized for low thermal gradients as a function of
depth as depicted in FIG. 2.
FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict a method of utilizing the embodiment of
the invention optimized for high thermal gradients as a function of
depth as depicted in FIG. 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The embodiments of the invention described herein are not intended
to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to precise forms
disclosed. Rather, the embodiments selected for description have
been chosen to enable one skilled in the art to practice the
invention.
Referring initially to FIG. 2, a simplified drawing of one
embodiment of the present invention is shown. A first vacuum-rated
chamber 101 is connected via a vapor transfer--transfer structure
103 to a second vacuum-rated chamber 105. Chamber 101 and chamber
105 should extend more than 33 feet above the surface of a body of
water 115 to be purified in at least one embodiment. The chambers
101 and 105 are constructed greater than 33 feet in height because
the maximum height of an unsupported column of water under vacuum
pressure is approximately 33 feet tall and a region in the first
vacuum-rated chamber 101 above the unsupported 33' height waterline
will be at near vacuum pressure. A support structure (not shown)
can be used to support the columns that extend above or below the
water. Warm water drawn from near the surface of the body of water
115 (at temperature T) is pumped up the first vacuum-rated chamber
101 using a first water pump 133 through a hose 117. The warm water
is passed through an atomizing spray nozzle 109 and dispersed in
droplets 107 above the 33' waterline inside a low pressure area of
the first vacuum-rated chamber 101. The droplets 107 have a high
surface area and are dispersed in a volume held at near vacuum
pressure due to the suction and vacuum produced by the 33' water
column. The droplets 107 will begin to boil and vapor will move
from the first vacuum-rated chamber 101 to the second vacuum-rated
chamber 105 via a vapor transfer--transfer structure 103. As the
droplets 107 boil, their temperature will lower due to the laws of
thermodynamics and the local temperature of water at the surface
113 of water in the first vacuum-rated chamber 101 will be some
temperature lower than T. As additional water droplets 107 at
temperature T are introduced into the first vacuum-rated chamber
101, a height of the water column 113 will not rise due to
influence of laws of physics limiting the height of the water
column to approximately 33'. Additional water must go down the
column and eventually mix with the surface of the body of water
115. An additional bonus to this design is that the pump 133
pushing water from sea level into a near vacuum above a 33' tall
water column 113 is assisted by the low pressure and the only work
input required by the pump is that necessary to overcome flow
resistance in the hose 117 and atomizing spray nozzle 109 and the
extra height above 33' at which the water is released. The warm
water drawn from near the surface of the body of water 115
maintains the first vacuum-rated chamber 101 at a higher partial
vacuum pressure than the low temperature second vacuum-rated
chamber 105. This difference in partial pressures causes water
vapor to naturally move from 101 to 105 via the vapor
transfer--transfer structure 103. A condenser heat exchanger 111 is
placed at an upper section within the second vacuum-rated chamber
105. The condenser heat exchanger 111 may be designed like a heat
exchanger radiator, a coil of metallic tubing, or other device used
for heat transfer. The condenser heat exchanger 111 has circulating
low temperature water 137 drawn from a selected depth calculated to
provide a desired temperature difference between the second
vacuum-rated chamber 105 and the first vacuum-rated chamber 101. A
hollow intake structure 139 extends from near the surface of the
body of water 115 to the selected depth from which the low
temperature water 137 is drawn. A second water pump 131 circulates
water through the condenser heat exchanger 111 by moving low
temperature water 137 through a first pressure-rated hose 119;
after heat is added to the water by condensing water vapor, warmer
waste water is removed via a second pressure-rated hose 121. The
intermediate temperature waste water 133 is still cooler than water
141 near the surface of the body of water 115 but warmer than the
low temperature water 137. This intermediate temperature waste
water 133 is discarded in an output structure 135 which has greater
cross-sectional dimensions than the hollow intake structure 139 but
does not extend as deep into the body of water as the hollow intake
structure 139. An upper portion of the hollow intake structure 139
is inside the output structure 135. Discarding the intermediate
temperature water in this way has multiple benefits. First, the
intermediate temperature water acts to insulate the low temperature
water from the warm temperature water 141. Second, because output
structure 135 does not extend as deeply as the hollow intake
structure 139, a low temperature water zone at the bottom of the
hollow intake structure 139 is not locally mixed with the
intermediate temperature waste water 133. An additional benefit of
this design is that because the first pressure-rated hose 119
extends to the bottom of the hollow intake structure 139 while the
second pressure-rated hose 121 only extends slightly below the
surface of the body of water 115 into the top of the output
structure 135, a siphon effect is set up which assists the second
water pump 131 and minimizes the work required to pump water from
greater depths. Water vapor that condenses on the condenser heat
exchanger 111 will drop into the second vacuum-rated chamber 105 as
potable water 127. In order to keep the potable water 127 separate
from the non-potable warm temperature water 141, a condensation
receiving vessel 125 is required. This vessel 125 must be
constructed with sides high enough above the surface of the body of
water 115 to not be polluted by tides or waves and can be open to
atmospheric pressure as long as the second vacuum-rated chamber 105
is taller than thirty three feet. In this configuration, a third
pump 129 will only require enough energy to pump water from a
reservoir maintained at atmospheric pressure through hose or pipe
123 to a consumer or second storage system. Sealing the second
vacuum-rated chamber 105 and the condensation receiving vessel 125
together so as to form one contiguous chamber eliminates the
requirement to construct the second vacuum-rated chamber 105 taller
than approximately 33 feet. However, extracting potable water from
a fused (105+125) vessel will require the third pump 129 to
overcome vacuum pressure. A support structure (not shown) supports
the low energy fluid purification system which could be a floating
derrick, a structure fixed to a seabed, supported by floats and
anchored, or any other suitable support structure. A storm
protection system may be affixed to the structure enabling the low
energy fluid purification system to be lowered beneath the surface
of the body of water 115 whenever necessary to protect the low
energy fluid purification system. Power for the pumps (not shown)
could be provided by solar, gasoline, etc. A propulsive means (not
shown) can be added to move the Fresh Water Generator Assembly.
Platforms or support structures (not shown) are required for the
pumps. When employed in corrosive environments, such as oceans,
components can be constructed of materials resistant to corrosion
inherent in marine environments. Suitable materials include but are
not limited to stainless steel, concrete, brass, monel, etc. An
optional vacuum pump 151, vacuum line 153, and valve 155 are shown
in case the system requires maintenance and needs to be evacuated
after resealing to restart the low energy fluid purification
system. Additional vacuum pumps, vacuum lines, valves and
additional pumps may be added to various positions in the invention
without changing the scope of the invention.
FIG. 3. depicts a table of vapor pressure as a function of
temperature and salinity. As salinity increases for a fixed
temperature minimal changes in vapor pressure occur. In order to
boil a fluid, the partial vacuum pressure must be less than or
equal to the vapor pressure of the fluid. In order to condense
water, the partial vacuum pressure must be greater than or equal to
the vapor pressure of the fluid. As temperature increases for a
given salinity, modest changes in vapor pressure result. Higher
temperature water will boil at a higher partial vacuum pressure
(higher vapor pressure) in the first vacuum-rated chamber 101.
Lower temperature water can be used to condense the vapor in the
second vacuum-rated chamber 105 and will result in a lower partial
vacuum pressure (lower vapor pressure). The differences in partial
vacuum pressures will cause vapor to move from the (higher partial
pressure) first vacuum-rated chamber 101 to the (lower partial
pressure) second vacuum-rated chamber 105 via the vapor
transfer--transfer structure 103 without additional energy
input.
FIG. 4. depicts another embodiment of the present invention: An
embodiment of the invention is submerged beneath the surface of the
body of water 115. Though saline is used in this description, the
application of the present disclosure is not limited to salt water.
A boiler-heat exchanger 203 is configured in a manner that
maximizes surface area so as to allow heat from the surrounding
water in which it is submerged, to flow into a quantity of saline
water contained therein. The flow of heat from the surrounding
water into the boiler-heat exchanger 203 maintains the temperature
of the contained water as the contained water also boils. The
boiler-heat exchanger 203 is supported by a structure (not shown)
or buoyancy or a combination of the two, at a depth chosen for its
ability to supply heat as well as to satisfy other system integrity
and maintainability requirements. As salinity in the boiler-heat
exchanger 203 increases during boiling, the remaining saline
water's density will increase and the denser brine will sink to the
lowest spot in the boiler-heat exchanger 203 and flow out through
vacuum-rated tubing 243 into a first storage tank 211 in feed mode
through an open valve 229. The boiler-heat exchanger 203 is
constructed to facilitate the draining of this briny water by
configuring the lower surface of the boiler-heat exchanger with an
exit port located at its lowest point. The briny water entering the
first storage tank 211 in feed mode will displace an equivalent
volume of lower salinity water in the first storage tank 211 which
will be forced up through an open valve 231 into the vacuum-rated
manifold chamber 207. The lower salinity water entering the
vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 will displace an equal volume of
water which will flow into the boiler-heat exchanger 203. This flow
of saline water through the system provides longer cycle times
before purging briny water back into the ocean without requiring
active pumping. The resulting water vapor from the boiler-heat
exchanger 203 moves into the vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207
through vacuum-rated tubing 205.
Maximizing surface area of the boiler-heat exchanger 203 could
involve constructing boiler-heat exchanger 203 as a large
diameter/perimeter, cylinder or parallelepiped, by using a
commercially available radiator or heat exchanger, or by other
methods. Constructing the boiler-heat exchanger with a minimal
height avoids contact between the heat exchanger and colder water
found at depth; it also facilitates greater efficiency in heat
exchange with convective currents in the surrounding ocean. A
vacuum pump (not shown) is coupled to the boiler-heat exchanger 203
and serves to establish vacuum pressure in the system. A
vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 is coupled to the boiler-heat
exchanger 203 and is used to modulate the flow of non-potable water
into the boiler-heat exchanger 203 and to introduce outside
non-potable water into the system to replace the fresh water
leaving the system through vacuum-rated tubing 215.
As a portion of water held within the boiler-heat exchanger 203 is
reduced due to its vaporization, the water to be purified moves
from the vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 into the boiler-heat
exchanger 203 until the level of water in the manifold chamber 207
falls below a selected point that causes a regulating valve 249 to
open and allow warm water to enter the manifold chamber 207. Within
the figure, an internal float 209 actuates the valve as the liquid
level in the manifold chamber falls below a desired level. This
configuration is not meant to restrict the manner in which a valve
could be actuated to allow outside water into the system. The
salinity of the water in the boiler-heat exchanger 203 will
increase as water vapor moves to the other parts of the apparatus.
The first storage tank 211 is coupled to an input port of the
vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 and to an output port of the
boiler-heat exchanger 203 via valves 229 and 231. Valves 223 and
225 are coupled to the first storage tank 211 and may be used to
isolate the first storage tank 211 from first section-higher
temperature water 201 such that the vacuum in the system is
maintained. A second storage tank 213 is coupled to an input port
of the vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 and to an output port of
the boiler-heat exchanger 203 via valves 233 and 235. Valves 227
and 237 are coupled to the second storage tank 213 and may be used
to isolate the second storage tank 213 from first section-higher
temperature water 201. In the drawing, valves 223, 225, 229, 231
are configured to use the first storage tank 211 for water exchange
occurring in an application where the present invention is being
employed to desalinate water.
Because this is a closed system, eventually the salinity of
211+207+203 will reach a point where efficiency is diminished. The
time it will take for this to occur depends mainly on the size of
the first storage tank 211. However, the tank can be switched from
feed mode to exchange mode and continue to maintain the required
vacuum in the system by closing the open valves 229 and 231, and
then opening the other valves 223 and 225. A mechanism to ensure
neither valves 225 nor 223 are open at the same time either valve
229 or 231 are open is not shown but could be affected by one of
several means and would be an important fail-safe mechanism to
employ. When the first storage tank 211 switches from feed mode to
exchange mode, by adjusting the various required valves as above,
the internal pressure of the tank will change from near vacuum to
something approximating 1 atmoshpere. This change of internal
pressure will cause the tank to flex and the tank will expand. Care
should be taken to construct the storage tanks 211 and 213 to
minimize flexing due to changes in internal pressure as they switch
from one mode to the other because this flexing represents energy
lost from the system and will reduce efficiency.
To convert the second storage tank 213 from the depicted exchange
mode to feed mode and continue to maintain the required vacuum in
the system valves 227, and 237 should be closed and then valves
233, and 235 should be opened. A fail-safe mechanism to prevent
valve configurations which destroy the vacuum should also be
employed on the second storage tank 213. It is instructive to
examine the second storage tank 213 in exchange mode with valves
227, 233, 235, 237 in the positions drawn. Valve 237 is located
near the top of the tank to allow lower salinity warm water to
enter and replace the higher salinity water leaving the tank
through valve 227 which is located at the bottom of the tank. The
position of the valves allows exchange of the tank's water without
active pumping by taking advantage of the difference in densities
of the water inside the tank versus outside the tank. Having two or
more tanks like 211 and 213 allows the system to be operated
continuously with maximum efficiency.
As water from the boiler-heat exchanger 203 boils in the partial
vacuum, water vapor moves from the boiler-heat exchanger 203 to the
vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 via a hollow vapor transport
structure 205. A vacuum rated hose 215 is coupled on one end to the
vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 and on an opposite end to a
condenser-heat exchanger 219. The condenser-heat exchanger 219 is
configured to be disposed at a selected depth within a second
section of water 220 having a lower temperature. Due to lower
partial vacuum developed within the condenser-heat exchanger 219,
vapor at the first section of water's temperature will continue
from the vacuum-rated manifold chamber 207 to the condenser-heat
exchanger 219 where the condenser-heat exchanger's 219 disposition
within the second section lower temperature water allows heat to
pass from within the condenser-heat exchanger 219 to the
surrounding water. Due to the resultant cooling, the vapor
condenses to distilled water droplets 221 and falls into a potable
water storage tank 241. The distilled water is moved to the
consumer by a pump 239. There are many additional components
required to manage salinity, and move water. This invention is
optimized for areas of the ocean with large thermal gradients over
small changes in depth because repair and extraction of water from
large depths can quickly become energy intensive and economically
non-viable. As water vapor enters the condenser, heat will be
extracted by the low temperature water deep in the ocean. A support
structure (not shown) supports the low energy fluid purification
system which could be a floating derrick, a structure fixed to a
seabed, supported by floats and anchored, etc. Pipes and chambers
and tubes could be constructed of materials resistant to corrosion
inherent in marine environments. Suitable materials include but are
not limited to stainless steel, concrete, brass, monel, etc.
FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C. depict a method of utilizing the embodiment of
the invention optimized for low thermal gradients as a function of
depth as depicted in FIG. 2.
FIG. 5A specifically shows: step 501 involves identifying a
non-potable body of water having temperatures decreasing with depth
comprising a first section of water having a first or higher
temperature near an upper surface and a second section of water
underneath said first section with a second or lower temperature
that is at least a condensation temperature required to condense
water from water vapor at said first or higher temperature; step
502 involves providing a vacuum-rated first chamber and a quantity
of said first section of water and disposing said first chamber in
or in proximity to said first section of water; step 503 involves
determining a vapor pressure for said first water using a measuring
system and a vapor pressure determination system; step 504 involves
establishing a partial vacuum in said first chamber less than or
equal to the vapor pressure of said first quantity of water in said
first chamber, and introducing said first quantity of water at said
first temperature to said partial vacuum so as to achieve boiling
of said quantity of water, resulting in a quantity of water vapor;
step 505 involves raising said first chamber from a first elevation
to a second elevation thereby establishing said partial vacuum by
positioning said first chamber to apply a first force from gravity
on said first quantity of water and thereby establishing a column
of said first quantity of water topped with a partial vacuum at a
top section of said first chamber less than or equal to the vapor
pressure of the said first quantity of water in said first chamber;
step 506 involves providing a pump to transport a quantity of said
first section-higher temperature water up said column of said first
quantity of water to a spray nozzle disposed within said partial
vacuum, and dispersing said quantity of said first section-higher
temperature water as a quantity of droplets within said partial
vacuum; step 507 involves providing a vacuum-rated second chamber,
disposing said second chamber in or in proximity to said first
section of water, and providing a portion of potable water;
FIG. 5B specifically shows: step 508 involves positioning said
second chamber and disposing said portion of potable water into
said second chamber to apply a first force from gravity on said
portion of said potable water and thereby establishing a column of
potable water topped with a partial vacuum at a top section of said
second chamber greater than or equal to the vapor pressure of the
potable water in said second chamber; step 509 involves coupling
said first and second chambers with a gas transfer structure
adapted to transfer said water vapor within said first chamber to
said second chamber; and step 510 involves providing a
condenser-heat exchanger exposed to said second temperature water;
transporting said pure water vapor away from said first container
by a pressure differential and into contact with said
condenser-heat exchanger; and employing said condenser-heat
exchanger to lower said vapor's temperature and pressure
sufficiently to create said pressure differential and achieve
condensation so as to produce condensed water; step 511 involves
disposing said condenser-heat exchanger within said partial vacuum
within said second chamber; step 512 involves exposing said
condenser-heat exchanger to said second temperature water by
providing a pump to draw said second temperature water from a
selected depth, and piping to carry said second temperature water
from an intake at said depth, through said condenser-heat exchanger
and discharging at a selected depth less than said intake, a
portion of said piping designated for discharge being a larger
diameter than a portion of said piping designated for intake, said
intake portion being disposed within said larger discharge portion
but extending to a greater depth then said discharge portion; step
513 involves capturing said condensed water resulting in a quantity
of potable water; step 514 involves storing said condensed water as
potable water in a potable water storage system; step 515 involves
transferring said potable water to a second storage system spaced
apart from said potable water storage system or distributing said
potable water to a consumer; step 516 involves providing a storm
protection system including a submergence system comprising a
support structure, a control system, motors, pumps, buoyancy tanks
and an anchoring system, wherein said buoyancy tanks are coupled
with said first and second chamber, said submergence system is
adapted for submerging and raising said first and second chambers
above or below said non-potable body of water;
FIG. 5C specifically shows: step 517 involves reducing said
submergence system's buoyancy when conditions at or above said
surface of body of non-potable water indicate a present risk to
said structure and coupled low energy fluid purification system;
step 518 involves increasing said submergence system's buoyancy
when conditions at or above said surface of body of non-potable
water indicate conditions are within selected operating limits for
said low energy fluid purification system; step 519 involves
evacuating any non-potable water from said container two and
returning said low energy fluid purification system to a selected
operating condition.
FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C depict a method of utilizing the embodiment of
the invention optimized for high thermal gradients as a function of
depth as depicted in FIG. 4.
FIG. 6A specifically shows: step 601 involves identifying a
non-potable body of water having temperatures decreasing with depth
comprising a first section of water having a first or higher
temperature near an upper surface and a second section of water
underneath said first section a with a second or lower temperature
that is at least a condensation temperature required to condense
water from water vapor at said first or higher temperature; step
602 involves providing a vacuum-rated first chamber and a quantity
of said first section of water and disposing said first chamber in
or in proximity to said first section of water; step 603 involves
configuring said first vacuum rated chamber as a boiler-heat
exchanger that maximizes surface area to allow heat from first
section-higher temperature water to enter said low energy fluid
purification system, and disposing said first chamber within said
first section-higher temperature water; step 604 involves
determining a vapor pressure for said first water using a measuring
system and a vapor pressure determination system; step 605 involves
providing a vacuum pump, vacuum line and valve; coupling said
vacuum pump, vacuum line and valve to said boiler-heat exchanger;
and establishing a partial vacuum in said first chamber less than
or equal to the vapor pressure of said first quantity of water in
said first chamber, and introducing said first quantity of water at
said first temperature to said partial vacuum so as to achieve
boiling of said quantity of water, resulting in a quantity of water
vapor; step 606 involves providing a vacuum-rated manifold chamber,
disposing said manifold chamber below said first section of water,
and coupling said manifold chamber to an input port of said
boiler-heat exchanger and to a vapor-output port of said
boiler-heat exchanger; and regulating a flow of non-potable water
into said boiler-heat exchanger to replenish water lost due to
boiling and conversion to vapor; step 607 involves providing a
first storage tank coupled to a first plurality of valves, an input
port on said manifold chamber, and a non-potable water output port
on said boiler-heat exchanger;
FIG. 6B specifically shows: step 608 involves providing a second
storage tank coupled to a second plurality of valves, an input port
on said manifold chamber, and a non-potable water output port on
said boiler-heat exchanger; step 609 involves configuring said
pluralities of valves so that a first portion of said first section
of water is drawn into said first storage tank and a second portion
of said first section of water is drawn into said second storage
tank; step 610 involves manipulating said first plurality of valves
closing off said first storage tank from said first section of
water while allowing said first portion of first section of water
to enter said manifold chamber as said portion of first section of
water is forced out of said first storage tank by an equal portion
of higher-density, non-potable water entering said first storage
tank from said boiler-heat exchanger; step 611 involves monitoring
system efficiency using a measuring system and efficiency
determination system and identifying a value indicating a ratio of
said higher-density, non-potable water to said first portion water
in a water mixture exceeds said boiler-heat exchanger's ability to
vaporize said mixture; step 612 involves reestablishing system
operation by manipulating said first plurality of valves closing
off said first storage tank from said manifold chamber and said
boiler-heat exchanger, and opening said first storage tank to said
first section of water allowing said first section of water to
replace said mixture; and manipulating said second plurality of
valves closing off said second storage tank from said first section
of water while allowing said second portion of first section of
water to enter said manifold chamber as said second portion of
water is forced out of said second storage tank by an equal portion
of higher-density, non-potable water entering said second storage
tank from said boiler-heat exchanger; step 613 involves
transporting said water vapor away from said boiler-heat exchanger
into said manifold chamber;
FIG. 6C specifically shows: step 614 involves providing a
vacuum-rated hose, coupling said manifold chamber to a
condenser-heat exchanger with said vacuum-rated hose, disposing
said condenser-heat exchanger at a selected depth within said
second temperature second section of water, and transporting said
water vapor from said manifold chamber to said condenser-heat
exchanger within said vacuum-rated hose by a pressure differential
and into contact with said condenser-heat exchanger; and employing
said condenser-heat exchanger to lower said vapor's temperature and
pressure sufficiently to create said pressure differential and
achieve condensation so as to produce condensed water; step 615
involves capturing said condensed water resulting in a quantity of
potable water; step 616 involves coupling a potable water storage
system to said condenser-heat exchanger and storing said condensed
water as potable water in said potable water storage system; step
617 involves transferring said potable water to a second storage
system spaced apart from said potable water storage system or
distributing said potable water to a consumer.
* * * * *